City of Galway: September 2, 2004. (Back to Top)

Some shots of the city.

Inis Mor: September 3. (Back to Top)

Inis Mor (Inishmore), the largest of the remote Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. The island is filled with the ruins of ancient monasteries and homes. After about four miles walk into the island I happened to bump into a group of two Americans and four Italians, who stopped me from wandering off in the wrong direction. I ended up eating lunch with them and then spending the rest of the day with this great group of people!

Dún Aonghasa, a massive prehistoric triple-walled fort on the highest cliffs of the island. It was built by Celtic tribesmen two or three thousand years ago (!) during the Celtic Iron Age. Between the second and third outer walls are "chevaux de fries," sharp stones standing upright to deter attackers.

With the group of people I met on Inis Mor. The first is of lunch on the island (at a tiny cottage/restaurant we were very lucky to find!) and the others at their hostel in Galway, after leaving the island. The freezer, where bits of food boxes are still somewhat visible, is nicknamed "Alaska".

Inis Oirr : September 4. (Back to Top)

Inis Oirr (Inisheer), the smallest of the Aran Islands at only four square miles and a population of 300. The round tower is the ruin of O'Brian's Castle.